Bill to repeal TN motorcycle helmet law fails

Bill to repeal TN motorcycle helmet law fails

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The latest effort to get rid of Tennessee's motorcycle helmet requirement has failed in a Senate committee.

The Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday voted 6-5 against the measure sponsored by Republican Sen. Mike Bell of Riceville.

Bell's bill would have allowed motorcyclists at least 25 years old to ride without a helmet if they could prove they had at least $200,000 in medical insurance and $100,000 in liability coverage.

Hospitals providing head trauma care have long been opposed to the perennial bill. Tim Wright, the Tennessee regional president of the AAA auto club, also voiced opposition to the measure, arguing that states without helmet laws saw an increase in their injury rates.